Electric toothbrush

ABSTRACT

An electric toothbrush includes a head having a moving portion, a handle, and shaft between the head and the handle. An body portion is hollow and further includes a motor operative to generate motion for driving the moving portion. A battery is located within the hollow section for powering the motor. A First switch, operatively connected to the motor provides momentary operation of the toothbrush. Optionally, a second switch provides for continuous operation of the toothbrush. The first switch can be operated while the toothbrush is in a toothbrush package, such as, for example, a plastic blister pack. A consumer can momentarily observe the operation of the toothbrush before purchasing the toothbrush. The consumer cannot operate the second switch and is thereby prevented from leaving the toothbrush in a battery draining operational mode for extended periods of time.

[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser.No. 09/710,616, filed on Nov. 9, 2000, which is a continuation-in-partof application Ser. No. 09/382,745, filed on Aug. 25, 1999, which issuedas U.S. Pat. No. 6,178,579 on Jan. 30, 2001, and which is acontinuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 09/236,794, filed Jan. 25,1999, which issued as U.S. Pat. No. 6,189,693 on Feb. 20, 2001, andwhich is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 09/163,621,filed on Sep. 30, 1998, which issued as U.S. Pat. No. 6,000,983 on Dec.14, 1999.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates generally to electric toothbrushes.More particularly, it relates to an improved battery powered toothbrush.

[0003] The benefits of brushing one's teeth using motorized toothbrushesare well known, and motorized movement in toothbrushes has been thesubject of much recent innovation and design activity. Also, thecommercial market has seen the introduction, over the last severalyears, of many different types of motorized toothbrushes. However, anexamination of the available technology shows a tendency towardincreasingly complex, expensive, and non-commercially feasible methodsof achieving motorized motions in the bristles and heads of toothbrushesto aid in more effectively cleaning one's teeth.

[0004] The commercial marketplace has become divided into two pricemarkets. On the higher priced end are some of these more complexmotorized toothbrushes that provide various motions to the bristles andbrush head. The lower end of the market has become the province of verysimple motorized toothbrushes that only vibrate through the use of anoffset weight attached to the motor shaft, and which provide very littletrue additional cleaning benefit with their use, since no vigorousmotion is transmitted to the cleaning surface of the brush. Thevibrations are also very uncomfortable to the hand and act as adisincentive to brush one's teeth for an adequate time.

[0005] Numerous electric toothbrushes have been developed over theyears. Some known devices are shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,070,567; U.S.Pat. No. 5,186,627; U.S. Pat. No. 5,274,870; U.S. Pat. No. 5,341,534;U.S. Pat. No. 5,378,153; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,732,433. None of thesetoothbrushes provides a low cost/hygienic means for a customer to trythe toothbrush before making a toothbrush purchase. Allowing a customerto observe the operation of a a motorized toothbrush, feel the level ofvibration, and hear the sound of the toothbrush is a powerful mechanismfor communicating the usefulness and convenience of the toothbrush.Accordingly it has been considered desirable to develop an electrictoothbrush which overcomes difficulties of prior art toothbrushes andprovides a means for a customer to try the toothbrush without removingthe toothbrush from its package and even before purchasing thetoothbrush.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] To those ends a new electric toothbrush has been developed. Thenew electric toothbrush comprises packaging for containing thetoothbrush, and a body portion having a first end and a hollow portion.A head located at the first end includes a moving portion, the movingportion comprises at least one of bristles and massaging tips. A motorlocated within the hollow portion of the body portion is operative togenerate motion for driving the moving portion. A first switch isoperably connected to the motor. The first switch can be actuated in afirst manner to provide momentary operation of the toothbrush even whenthe toothbrush is inside the packaging.

[0007] In some embodiments the first switch is depressed to provide themomentary operation. For example, in some embodiments, the first switchis a push button.

[0008] In some embodiments, the toothbrush further comprises a secondswitch, which is actuated in a second manner, to provide continuousoperation of the toothbrush when the toothbrush is removed from thepackaging. For example, in some embodiments, the second switch is aslide switch, a toggle switch, an alternate acting pushbutton switch, arotary switch, electronic switch or any other switch that provides acontinuous or non-momentary contact closure.

[0009] One advantage of the present invention is the provision of anelectric toothbrush with a switch which allows momentary operation ofthe toothbrush while the toothbrush is inside sealed factory packaging.

[0010] Another advantage of the present invention is the provision of anelectric toothbrush which is inexpensive and easy to manufacture.

[0011] Still another advantage of the present invention is the provisionof an electric toothbrush with moving portion that rotates, swivels,oscillates or reciprocates.

[0012] Yet another advantage of the present invention is the provisionof a circular portion that rotates, reciprocates, swivels, or oscillateswhich is positioned at the end of the brush head to facilitate easieraccess to the back of the user's mouth.

[0013] Still other advantages and benefits of the invention will becomeapparent to those skilled in the art upon a reading and understanding ofthe following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] The invention may take physical form in certain parts andarrangements of parts, preferred embodiments of which will be describedin detail in this specification and illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings which form a part hereof, and wherein:

[0015]FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a first electric toothbrush,the first electric toothbrush including a switch providing a combinationof momentary and non-momentary switching features;

[0016]FIG. 2 is a side elevation of the first toothbrush showing detailsof one toothbrush head embodiment;

[0017]FIG. 3 is a bottom elevational view of the first electrictoothbrush;

[0018]FIG. 4 is a side elevational view in cross section of the oneembodiment of the first electric toothbrush;

[0019]FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a second electric toothbrush, thesecond electric toothbrush including a switching circuit including afirst switch or switching member operative to providing a momentaryswitching function and a second switch or switching member operative toprovide a non-momentary switching feature;

[0020]FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a third electric toothbrush, thethird electric toothbrush including a switching circuit including athird switch or switching member operative to providing a momentaryswitching function and a fourth switch or switching member operative toprovide a non-momentary switching feature;

[0021]FIG. 7 is a front and side elevational view of an electrictoothbrush in packaging;

[0022]FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a fourth toothbrush showingdetails of an exemplary motor, driving means and moving portion.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0023] Referring now to the drawings wherein the showings are for thepurposes of illustrating the preferred embodiments of the invention onlyand not for purposes of limiting same, FIG. 1 shows an first electrictoothbrush A. The electric toothbrush can be used for personal hygienesuch as brushing one's teeth and gums.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 1, the electric toothbrush includes an bodyportion 10, which has a first end 12 and a second end 14. A head 16 islocated at the first end 12 and a handle 18 is located at the second end14.

[0025] The exemplary head 16 has a more traditional larger brush headshape which permits the user to brush his teeth in the typical manner ofan up and down fashion. As shown on FIG. 2, the length of the head 16,dimension “X”, can range from about 0.75 inches to about 1.75 inches.The thickness of the brush head, dimension “Y”, can range from about0.25 inches to about 0.50 inches. The design of the head 16 allows forinexpensive manufacture and assists in bringing effective motorizedrotational toothbrushes within the financial reach of a large portion ofthe population. However, other head designs can be used and still remainwithin the scope of aspects of the invention.

[0026] Referring now to FIG. 3, the exemplary head 16 further includes alongitudinal axis 19, an exemplary moving portion or brush head 20 andan optional static portion or brush head 22. The static portion 22 islocated on opposite sides of the moving portion 20. The exemplary movingportion 20 is located at the center of the brush head 16. The exemplarymoving portion 20 rotates, swivels, oscillates or reciprocates about anaxis approximately normal to the longitudinal axis 19 of the brush head16. However, other head motions are known in the art. The exemplarymoving portion 20 may rotate continuously in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction or partially rotate, oscillate, or reciprocate in aback and forth manner. Alternatively, the exemplary moving portion 20moves in some other manner. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,226,206 toDavidovitz et al. discloses a toothbrush with combined longitudinalreciprocation and circular rotation or oscillation. U.S. Pat. No.5,524,312 to Tan et al. discloses a toothbrush with a first movingportion moving in a wiping motion described as oscillation in atransverse direction and a second moving portion that moves round aboutits own center. U.S. Pat. No. 5,070,567 to Holland discloses atoothbrush with a combined rotational and revolving motions. U.S. Pat.No. 5,253,382 to Beny discloses a toothbrush with combined longitudinaland transverse motions resulting in a figure eight type brush movement.In addition to the motions disclosed herein, any known moving portionmotion may be incorporated and still remain within the scope of aspectsof the invention.

[0027] The exemplary moving portion 20 includes stiff bristles 24. Theoptional static portion 22 includes soft bristles 26. The stiff bristles24 are slightly recessed with respect to the soft bristles 26. The stiffbristles 24 aid in the deep cleaning and plaque removal process, whilethe stationary soft bristles 26 are softer so as to not damage the gums.The thickness of the bristles, dimension “Z”, shown in FIG. 2, can rangefrom about 0.25 inches to about 0.75 inches. Again, other bristlearrangements may be used and still remain within the scope of aspects ofthe invention.

[0028] Referring again to FIG. 3, the body portion 10 further includesan angled shaft 28, located between the head 16 and the handle 18. Theangled shaft 28 provides an ergonomic benefit that has not been utilizedon a motorized toothbrush. The angle is well known for its ergonomicbenefit in permitting easier access into the back recesses of the mouthwhile still contacting the tooth surface.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 4 the elongated body portion 10 further includesa hollow portion 30 which houses a motor 32. The motor 32 has alongitudinal axis 34 in line with a longitudinal axis 36 of theelongated body portion 10. However, other motor arrangements may be usedand still remain within the scope of aspects of the invention.

[0030] The motor 32 generates motion for driving the moving portion 20.Optionally, the moving portion 20 is driven through a driving means. Forexample, motion generated by the motor 32 is delivered to the movingportion 20 to move, rotate, oscillate or reciprocate through a drivingmeans including a worm gear 40 and a pair of step gears 42, 43. Themotor 32 is operatively connected to the worm gear 40. Step gear 42 isoperatively connected to step gear 43 and the worm gear 40.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 4, the first step gear 42 permits the matchingsecond step gear 43 to be offset with respect to the longitudinal axis36 of the elongated body portion 10.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 4, the exemplary driving means further includesa shaft 44 that is connected at a first end to the offset step gear 43and at a second end to the moving portion 20. The second step gear 43 isplaced at a desired angle so that the shaft 44 itself can still bestraight, thus losing no power or torque through the added function of aflexible shaft.

[0033] However, other driving means can be used. For example, U.S. Pat.No. 4,827,550 Graham et al. discloses a toothbrush having areciprocating rack for driving a plurality of geared brush heads in arotational oscillatory manner. U.S. Pat. No. 3,242,516 to H. Cantordiscloses a toothbrush having conical drive gears, pulleys and a beltfor rotating a moving portion. U.S. Pat. No. 5,617,601 to McDougalldiscloses a toothbrush having a reciprocating flexible member fordriving a moving portion in a rotational or oscillatory manner. U.S.Pat. No. 5,226,206 to Davidovitz et al. discloses a toothbrush with areciprocating shaft and a carrier member. The carrier member carries ageared brush head. The geared brush head is in meshed engagement with astationary rack element. As the shafted reciprocates, the brush headreciprocates. Additionally, due to the meshed engagement with the rackelement, the brush head also rotates. In addition to the driving meansdisclosed herein, any known driving means can be used and stay withinthe scope of aspects of the invention.

[0034] A switch 50 is provided to control operation of the electrictoothbrush and is operatively connected to the motor 32. For example,the switch 50 includes a molded actuator button 52 and a metal contact54. In a momentary mode of operation, the switch 50 is manuallydepressed by pressing a molded actuator button 52 down, which thenpresses against a metal contact 54, which completes the circuit andprovides momentary operation of the toothbrush. The switch 50 alsoallows continuous mode of operation through a ramp design. Sliding thebutton 52 forward toward the head 16 provides for continuous operation.A selected shape of the button combined with a molded or stamped in ramp58 in the metal contact 54, causes forward movement of the button 52 tomove the contact 54 downward, thereby completing the circuit. Thetoothbrush then continuously operates until the button 52 is slid backinto an off position toward the handle 18 and the button 52 disengagesthe metal contact 54.

[0035] By providing the momentary function, the toothbrush can bepackaged in packaging as shown in FIG. 7 where the consumer can depressthe button 52 through the packaging and see, feel and hear its operationwhile the toothbrush is still inside the packaging. When the toothbrushis purchased and removed from the package the consumer is able to us thenon-momentary, continuous mode, or ramp design function to operate thetoothbrush in a continuous manner. FIG. 7 illustrates one version of thebutton 52. By testing the operation of the toothbrush in this manner,the consumer can easily evaluate the quality of the toothbrush. Forexample, the consumer can evaluate the quietness of the operation of thetoothbrush. The consumer can determine that the vibration of thetoothbrush is not uncomfortable. The consumer can sense the strength ortorque behind the brushing action and the consumer can verify thatbatteries installed in the toothbrush are fully charged. It should benoted, as detailed below, that other sizes and shapes of buttons as wellas functional configurations may be used.

[0036] Referring again to FIG. 4, a battery 60 is provided within thehollow portion 30 of the elongated body portion 10. A battery terminalor contact 62 is provided for the battery 60. An AA size battery can beused as is illustrated in FIG. 4. To install the battery 60 into thehollow portion 30, a slidable snap-on cover 64 is depressed and slid offthe end of the handle 18 to expose the hollow portion 30. The battery 60is inserted, then the cover 64 is slid back on to the housing andsnapped into place. The terminal end of the battery 60 is then incontact with the metal contact 54.

[0037] If desired, depressions or grip areas 70 and 72 can be moldedinto the body 10 as shown in FIG. 4. The depressions 70, 72 are used tosupport a user's thumb and forefinger or other fingers to make using theelectric toothbrush easier and more comfortable.

[0038] Alternatively, the switch 50 may be only a momentary switch thatdoes not provide a continuous mode of operation. In that case, theconsumer is still able to evaluate the quality of the toothbrush beforepurchasing it. However, in operation the consumer is required to holdthe switch 50 in the closed position while using the toothbrush.

[0039] In other embodiments, momentary and continuous switchingfunctions are provided by two separate switches. For example, referringto FIG. 5, a second electric toothbrush B includes a body portion 80which has a first end 82 and a second end 84. A head 86 is attached toor located at the first end 82 and a handle 88 is attached to or locatedat the second end 84. A first switch 90 and a second switch 92 aremounted in the body portion 80. The exemplary head 86 includes a movingportion 94 and a static portion 96. The moving portion and the staticportion contain brushing elements such as bristles 98 and or massagingtips 100.

[0040] The first switch 90 is a momentary switch. For example, the firstswitch 90 is a push button that operates in a manner similar to theswitch 50 when the switch 50 is operated in the momentary mode.

[0041] Alternatively, the first switch may be another kind of momentaryswitch as long as the first switch can be easily actuated while thesecond toothbrush B is sealed in factory packaging, such as, thatdepicted in FIG. 7.

[0042] The second switch 92 is a non-momentary or continuous modeswitch. For example, the second switch 92 is a slide switch thatoperates in a manner similar to the switch 50 when the switch 50 isoperated in the continuous mode.

[0043] Alternatively, the second switch 92 may be any other kind ofnon-momentary switch, as long as the second switch can not be easilyactuated while the toothbrush B is sealed in factory packaging, such asthat depicted in FIG. 8. In this regard, the factory packaging may bedesigned to prevent or impede attempts to actuate the second switch.

[0044] Referring to FIG. 6, a third toothbrush C also includes a bodyportion 80 which has a first end 82 and a second end 84. A head 86 islocated at the first end 82 and a handle 88 is attached to the secondend 84. A third switch 110 and a fourth switch 120 are mounted in theelongated body portion 80. The head includes a moving portion 94 and astatic portion 96. The moving portion and the static portion containbrushing elements such as, bristles 98 and/or massaging tips 100.

[0045] The third switch 110 is a momentary switch. The third switch maybe similar to the second switch 90. Alternatively, the third switch maybe any other kind of momentary switch. For example, the third switch 110may be part of an electronic switching circuit comprising amicro-controller circuit (hidden from view) having a first input and anoutput. The first input senses the state of the third switch button 110.The micro-controller controls the state of the output based on sensedinput. For example, the micro-controller closes an electronic switch,such as, for example, a FET type transistor, for a predetermined periodof time, for example, 4 seconds, whenever the third switch button 110 ismomentarily depressed. Alternatively, the microprocessor closes anelectronic switch whenever, and for as long as, the third switch button110 is depressed.

[0046] The fourth switch 120 is a non-momentary push button switch. Forexample, the forth switch includes a first switching member 122 and asecond switching member 126. Depressing the first switching member 122closes a contact thereby powering the toothbrush. Depressing the secondswitching member 126 opens the contact, thereby de-powering thetoothbrush. If necessary, a toothbrush package may be designed to makeit difficult to accidentally or maliciously activate the forth switch120 while the toothbrush is in the package. For example, a blisterpackage may include a dome over the forth switch 120 that can not beeasily depressed. Alternatively, the blister package is dimensioned sothere is generally a large gap between the toothbrush switches and theblister. A recess may be provided in the blister that reaches toward thethird switch 110 thereby permitting momentary trials of the toothbrush.

[0047] Alternatively, the fourth switch 120 is another kind ofnon-momentary or continuous mode switch. Such switches are known. Forexample, a non-momentary toggle switch, a push on/push off switch, analternate acting push button switch or a rotary switch can be used.Alternatively the second switch is part of an electronic switchingcircuit. For example the micro-controller mentioned above also includesa second input. The second input senses the state of the first switchingmember 122. When the micro-controller senses that the first switchingmember is momentarily depressed, the micro-controller closes theelectronic switch until an off command input is sensed. For example, theelectronic switch is closed until the first switching member 122 ismomentarily depressed a second time. Alternatively, a third input ismonitored in order to sense the state of the second switching member 126and the micro-controller opens the electronic switch when the secondswitching member is momentarily depressed.

[0048] The switching member combinations and micro-controller responsesdescribed here are exemplary only. Any set of inputs and responses canbe included. For example, a predetermined pattern of switching memberactuations or depressions may cause the micro-controller to repeatedlyopen and close the electronic switch thereby causing the moving portionto move in a pulsed manner. Alternatively, in a battery saving mode themicro-controller may open the electronic switch after a prolonged periodof operation even if no off command input is sensed.

[0049] A fourth electric toothbrush D is shown in FIG. 8. The electrictoothbrush D includes an body portion 150 which has a first end 152 anda second end 154. A head 160 is attached to the first end 152 and ahandle 162 is attached to the second end 154.

[0050] The head 160 further includes an moving portion or brush head164, a static portion or brush head 166, a first end 168, and a secondend 170. As shown in FIG. 8, the moving portion 164 is located adjacentthe second end 170. The static portion 166 is shown located adjacent thefirst end 168. However, it is to be appreciated that the moving portion164 could be located adjacent the first end 168, and the static portion166 could be located adjacent the second end 170. Furthermore, themoving portion 164 could be positioned in the center of the brush headwith static portions 166 on opposite sides of the moving portion 164similar to that shown in FIG. 3.

[0051] In accordance with this embodiment, the moving portion 164oscillates about an axis approximately normal to a longitudinal axis 172of the elongated body portion 150.

[0052] The moving portion 164 can include stiff bristles 178. The staticportion 166 can include soft bristles 180 which are softer than thestiff bristles. The stiff bristles 178 may be slightly recessed withrespect to the soft bristles 180. The stiff bristles 178 aid in the deepcleaning and plaque removal process, while the stationary soft bristles180 are softer so as to not damage the gums.

[0053] The body portion 150 further includes an angled shaft 190, anupper housing 192 (not shown), and a lower housing 194. The angled shaft190 is located between the head 160 and the handle 162. The angled shaft190 provides an ergonomic benefit that has not been utilized on amotorized toothbrush.

[0054] The body portion 150 of the fourth toothbrush also includes ahollow portion 196 which houses a motor 200. The hollow portion 196 isformed between the upper housing 192 and the lower housing 194. Themotor 200 generates motion for driving the moving portion 164 to rotate,oscillate, or reciprocate. Again, in addition to the motion disclosedherein, any known motion can be provided and still remain within aspectsof the present invention. Power is provided to the motor by battery asshown and described for the first, second and third toothbrushes A, B,C.

[0055] It should be understood that the forth electric toothbrush Dincludes any of the switching arrangements discussed above in referenceto the first, second and third toothbrushes A, B, C. For clarity, viewsand discussion of the switches are not repeated here.

[0056] The fourth toothbrush D further includes a first gear 202 whichis operatively connected to and powered by the motor 200. The first gear202 rotates about the longitudinal axis 172 of the elongated bodyportion 150. A second gear 206 is operatively connected to the firstgear 202. The second gear 206 is approximately normal to the first gear202. The second gear 206 rotates about an axis approximately normal tothe longitudinal axis 172. Teeth 208 of the first gear 202 mesh withteeth 210 of the second gear 206, thus causing second gear 206 to rotatewhen first gear 202 rotates.

[0057] A first swivel arm 220 is pivotably connected to the second gear206 via a pin 222 or other fastening device. A second swivel arm 224 ispivotably connected to the first swivel arm 220 via a pin 226 or otherfastening device. A shaft 230 is fixedly secured at a shaft first end232 to the second swivel arm 224. The shaft 230 is pivotably attached ata shaft second end 234 to a third swivel arm 240. The shaft 230 ishoused within the angled shaft 190.

[0058] The shaft 230 is generally parallel with the longitudinal axis172.

[0059] A guide spacer 250 is located within the angled shaft 190 andsurrounds the shaft 230 adjacent the first end 232 of the shaft 230 tominimize lateral movement of the shaft 230. A second guide spacer 252 islocated adjacent the second end 234 of the shaft 230 to also minimizelateral movement of the shaft 230. Guide spacers 250, 252 align theshaft 230 within the angled shaft 190 and minimize its movement fromside to side within the angled shaft 190.

[0060] The third swivel arm 240 has a first end 244 and a second end246. The third swivel arm 240 is pivotably connected to the second guidespacer 252 at the swivel arm first end 244 via a pin 253. The thirdswivel arm 240 is connected at the swivel arm second end 246 to themoving portion 164 via a pin 254 or other fastening device. The pin 254is connected to a disk 256 of the moving portion 164 which is housedwithin the head 160.

[0061] As the first gear 202 rotates, the second gear 206 is rotated,thus moving the first swivel arm 220 in a back and forth circularfashion about the second gear 206 and along the longitudinal axis 172.The first swivel arm 220 also can pivot about the pin 222. The firstswivel arm 220 retains its orientation of approximately parallel to thelongitudinal axis 172 of the elongated body portion 150 during movement.The second swivel arm 224 pivots with respect to its pin connection 226with the first swivel arm 220 thus allowing the shaft 230 to oscillatein a back and forth manner toward and away from the brush head withminimal lateral motion.

[0062] During operation, the third swivel arm 240 moves back and forthalong the longitudinal axis 172 of the elongated body portion 150 alongwith the shaft 230.

[0063] The swivel arm 240 can also pivot or move slightly laterally in adirection perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

[0064] The third swivel arm 240 has an offset arm 260 which is offsetfrom the longitudinal axis 172 and moves the disk 256 of the movingportion 164 in a partially rotating or oscillating motion. As the thirdswivel arm 240 moves back and forth, the offset arm 260 moves along anoutside edge 262 of the disk 256 in a partially rotating or oscillatingfashion about an axis which is approximately normal to the longitudinalaxis 172. This causes the bristles 178 to also move in a partiallyrotating or oscillating manner about an axis approximately normal to thelongitudinal axis 172.

[0065] When the third swivel arm 240 rotates, the disk 256 also rotatesabout an axis approximately normal to the elongated body portionlongitudinal axis 172. The third, swivel arm 240 also retains itsorientation of approximately parallel to the elongated body portionlongitudinal axis 172 during movement.

[0066] If desired, raised grip areas (not shown) can be provided whichare similar to raised grip areas 138 and 140 shown in FIG. 9 and FIG. 11for the second preferred embodiment. The raised grip areas can be moldedinto the lower housing 194.

[0067] The electric toothbrushes A, B, C, D can be packaged in packagingas shown in FIG. 7. As shown for the first toothbrush A, the consumercan depress the button 90 through the packaging and see its operationwhile the toothbrush is inside the packaging.

[0068] As shown in FIGS. 4, 5 and 6 the toothbrushes A, B, C, D alsohave a battery 60 with a battery terminal or contact 62 provided withinthe hollow portion 30 of the body portion 80. To install the battery 60into the hollow portion 30, a cover 64, 134 is slid off the end of thehandle 18, 88 to expose the hollow portion 30. The battery 60 isinserted, then the cover 64, 134 is slid back on to the housing andsnapped into place.

[0069] The invention has been described with reference to the preferredembodiments. Obviously, modifications and alterations will occur toothers upon a reading and understanding of this specification. Forexample, still other switch combinations and packages can be applied.The package does not have to be a blister pack. For example, the packagemay comprise a cardboard box including holes, windows or otherprovisions for allowing a customer to actuate the momentary switch, andsense and view the operation of the toothbrush. Other head designs,including other moving portions with other patterns of motion and otherdriving means can be included. The components and features described inrelation to each of the exemplary toothbrushes A, B, C, D can be sharedand included in other combinations. The invention is intended to includeall such modifications and alterations insofar as they come within thescope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof.

Having thus described the invention, the invention is claimed:
 1. Anelectric toothbrush comprising: packaging for containing the toothbrush;an body portion having a first end, and a hollow portion; a head locatedat said first end, wherein said head includes a moving portion, whereinsaid moving portion comprises at least one of bristles and massagingtips; a motor located within said hollow portion of said body portion,said motor operative to generate motion for driving the moving portion;a switch which is operably connected to said motor, wherein said switchcan be actuated in a first manner to provide momentary operation of saidtoothbrush even when said toothbrush is within said packaging.
 2. Thetoothbrush as defined in claim 1 wherein said switch is depressed toprovide the momentary operation.
 3. The toothbrush as defined in claim 1wherein said switch comprises an electronic switching circuit.
 4. Thetoothbrush as defined in claim 1 further comprising a second switchactuated in a second manner to provide continuous operation of saidtoothbrush when said toothbrush is removed from said packaging.
 5. Thetoothbrush as defined in claim 4 wherein said second switch is actuatedby sliding a switching member from a first position to a secondposition.
 6. The toothbrush as defined in claim 4 wherein the secondswitch is actuated by depressing a switching member, wherein a firstdepression of the switching member closes a contact and a seconddepression of the switching member opens the contact.
 7. The toothbrushas defined in claim 4 wherein the second switch is actuated bydepressing one of a first switching member and a second switchingmember, wherein depressing the first switching member closes a contactand depressing the second switching member opens the contact.
 8. Thetoothbrush as defined in claim 4 wherein the second switch is actuatedby rotating a switching member from a first position to a secondposition.
 9. The toothbrush as defined in claim 4 wherein said secondswitch comprises an electronic switching circuit.
 10. An electrictoothbrush operative to aid a user in cleaning teeth, the electrictoothbrush comprising: an elongated body having a handle portion, and amoving portion; a motor disposed in the handle portion and operative todrive the moving portion; a switch operative to connect the motor to apower source only while the switch is held in a closed position by theuser.
 11. The electric toothbrush of claim 10 wherein the first switchcomprises a momentary switch.
 12. The electric toothbrush of claim 10wherein the first switch comprises an electronic switching circuit. 13.The electric toothbrush of claim 10 wherein the first switch comprises apush button switch.
 14. The electric toothbrush of claim 10 furtherincluding a second switch operative to connect the motor to a powersource when the second switch is placed in a closed position, the secondswitch further operative to remain in the closed position even after theswitch is release by the user.
 15. The electric toothbrush of claim 14wherein the second switch comprises a toggle switch.
 16. The electrictoothbrush of claim 14 wherein the second switch comprises an electronicswitching circuit.
 17. The electric toothbrush of claim 14 wherein thesecond switch comprises a push button switch.
 18. The electrictoothbrush of claim 14 wherein the second switch comprises an alternateacting push button switch.
 19. The electric toothbrush of claim 14wherein the second switch comprises an rotary switch.
 20. The electrictoothbrush of claim 10 further comprising a driving means operative todrive the moving portion in a reciprocating manner.
 21. The electrictoothbrush of claim 10 further comprising a driving means operative todrive the moving portion in an oscillatory manner.
 22. The electrictoothbrush of claim 10 further comprising a driving means operative todrive the moving portion in a rotational manner.
 22. The electrictoothbrush of claim 10 further comprising a driving means operative todrive the moving portion in a figure eight pattern.
 23. The electrictoothbrush of claim 10 further comprising a driving means operative todrive the moving portion in a wiping motion.
 24. An electric toothbrushcomprising: an elongated body portion having opposed first and secondends, a hollow portion and a longitudinal axis; a head attached to saidfirst end; a moving portion within the head; a motor located within saidhollow portion of said elongated body portion; a momentary switchoperative to connect the motor to a power source; a gear located in saidhollow portion, wherein said motor is operatively connected to saidgear; a plurality of swivel arms, wherein one swivel arm is pivotablyconnected to said gear; and a shaft operatively connected to the oneswivel arm and disposed for translating movement in a back and forthmanner to the moving portion.
 25. The electric toothbrush of claim 24further comprising: a non-momentary switch operative to connect themotor to a power source.
 26. An electric toothbrush comprising: anelongated body portion having opposed first and second ends, a hollowportion and a longitudinal axis; a head attached to said first end; amotor located within said hollow portion of said elongated body portion;a momentary switch operative to connect the motor to a power source; afirst gear and a second gear located in said hollow portion, whereinsaid motor is operatively connected to said first gear, and said firstgear is connected to said second gear; first, second and third swivelarms, wherein said first swivel arm is connected to said second gear,said second swivel arm is pivotably connected to said first swivel arm,and said third swivel arm moves in a back and forth manner generallyalong said longitudinal axis; and a shaft operatively connected to saidsecond swivel arm at a shaft first end and operatively connected to saidthird swivel arm at a shaft second end; wherein said head furthercomprises static massaging tips and a moving portion, wherein said thirdswivel arm is connected to said moving portion.
 27. The electrictoothbrush of claim 24 further comprising: a non-momentary switchoperative to connect the motor to a power source.
 28. The electrictoothbrush of claim 20 wherein said moving portion rotates about an axisnormal to said longitudinal axis.
 29. The electric toothbrush of claim20 wherein said moving portion oscillates about an axis normal to saidlongitudinal axis.
 30. The electric toothbrush of claim 20 wherein saidfirst gear rotates about said longitudinal axis and said second gearrotates about an axis generally normal to said longitudinal axis. 31.The electric toothbrush of claim 20 further including a swivel armconnected between said one swivel arm and said shaft.